Cascais – What to See on the Portuguese Riviera?

If you’re planning a trip to Portugal, especially Lisbon, make sure to include this place on your list: Cascais. It’s located just 25 kilometers from the Portuguese capital, and in my opinion, it’s the most beautiful seaside town in the area, perhaps even in the whole country. Not only is it charming in itself, but there are plenty of interesting places and attractions in the area. It’s a gem of the Portuguese Riviera.

Cascais was the first place seen by ships entering the Tagus River and the last image of Portugal on the way to Africa, India, and Brazil. During World War II, this region became extremely important for diplomacy and espionage. European stars, royal families, and artists found a hospitable haven in the city of Cascais. Interestingly, the atmosphere of those times inspired Ian Fleming, a British secret agent, to write his first novel, creating the most famous spy of all time, James Bond 007.

What to see in Cascais? Where to stay? Which restaurants serve really good food? I’ll tell you about that in this post.

Cascais – Boca de Inferno

One of the first stops on your journey through Cascais should be the breathtaking viewpoint known as Boca do Inferno, which translates to “Hell’s Mouth.” This natural wonder, perched on the ocean’s edge, earned its name due to the stunning view it offers. Here, the powerful waves of the Atlantic Ocean crash into a chasm, with water energetically striking the rocky cliffs, making this place a must-visit when you’re in Cascais.

Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum

After visiting the viewpoint, explore the town. In the Museum District of Cascais, there are fourteen cultural spaces and two public parks. Let’s start with the Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum, one of the most beautiful places in the city, not only for those who appreciate art and culture. The Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum is housed in a historic building from 1897-1900, overlooking the picturesque Santa Marta Beach. The museum was established thanks to the vision of Jorge O’Neill, an aristocrat and Irish-born financier. Apart from visiting the museum, it’s worth taking a walk in the park where, besides peacocks, you’ll come across hens and roosters.

Casa de Santa Maria

Another attraction in Cascais is Casa de Santa Maria, an elegant 19th-century house located right on the coast. This house, once the private residence of an Irish tobacco tycoon, is a testament to both luxury and history. Casa de Santa Maria is now open to visitors who want to see its beautiful azulejos while enjoying panoramic views of Baia de Cascais.

Cascais Lighthouse

Next to it is the lighthouse, and you can explore its prepared exhibition (during my visit, it was free).

Fortaleza Nossa Senhora da Luz

This fortress has stood in Cascais since 1580. It’s not just a historical site; it also houses a restaurant, bookstore, royal residence, and art exhibition space.

What to See in Cascais?

Take a walk along the promenade, where you’ll see Palacete Seixas, visit the port, see Palacio de Cidadela, or explore other museums: Casa das Histórias Paula Rego, Museu da Vila. I highly recommend the Museum of the Sea. It’s a great attraction for both adults and children. Don’t forget that the Cascais bay is the heart and soul of this charming town. Its picturesque coastline provides the perfect backdrop for leisurely strolls and romantic sunsets.

Beaches in Cascais

Whether you’re a fan of lounging or water sports, you’ll surely find your beach. Most of the beaches in Cascais also feature the famous blue flag, a symbol of environmental quality. Some of the beaches in Cascais include:

• Abano Beach
• Guincho Beach
• Cresmina Beach
• Rainha Beach
• Duquesa/Conceição Beach
• Moitas Beach
• Tamariz Beach
• Azarujinha Beach
• São Pedro Beach
• Avencas Beach
• Parede Beach
• Carcavelos Beach

Guincho Beach is known as one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal, stretching over 10 kilometers. It’s also a hub for water sports enthusiasts, making it a paradise for windsurfers and kitesurfers. Additionally, Guincho and its surrounding dunes are protected areas, preserving the natural beauty of this coastal area.

Cabo de Roca

What to do outside of Cascais? There are plenty of attractions, so I’ll mention just a few. Cabo da Roca, often called the “End of the World,” is the westernmost point of continental Europe. This geographical landmark also offers an unforgettable panoramic view of Serra de Sintra and an incredibly beautiful coastline. The relentless waves of the Atlantic Ocean crashing against the cliffs make a stunning impression.

Capela de Nossa Senhora da Peninha

For those intrigued by mystery, a visit to Capela de Nossa Senhora da Peninha is a must. This sacred place has served as a site of worship for generations and is home to countless legends passed down by pilgrims over the centuries. The chapel also boasts the most extensive viewpoint in Cascais and its surroundings. In this area, with a bit of luck, you may even spot wild horses.

Sintra

I’ll start by saying that the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park offers numerous hiking trails and opportunities for hiking. However, most people visit Sintra for its history and numerous palaces. I only visited Quinta da Regaleira, a mysterious and magical place that I highly recommend.

Where to Stay?

There are plenty of accommodations in Cascais. It’s an absolutely fantastic place to stay, offering a wide range of comfortable hotels, guesthouses, and apartments. We chose a boutique, small hotel called Embaixada da Vila and had a room with a private terrace, free and reliable Wi-Fi, a garden, and a lounge area. The rooms are immaculately clean, beautifully decorated, and the beds are comfortable. The location is in a quiet area yet close to the center and bars.

Where to Eat in Cascais?

Cascais offers many excellent restaurants, cafes, and bars. More precisely, there are so many restaurants that it’s hard to decide where to sit. So, I’ve prepared a few recommended options that I’ve personally tried:

• Marisco na Praça in the Marina: This place is all about seafood. I highly recommend the mini fried squid and the sweet “doce ovos” for dessert. The octopus is also good, but the squid was so good that I would return just for that. I also recommend Casal Mendes Verde, a very good, light wine.
• Rubro Restaurant: This place is primarily about wine, grill, and tapas. Rubro Restaurant is perfect for those who appreciate tasty meals made from top-quality ingredients. I personally recommend the fish (perch and cod) as they are truly delicious.
• Cantina Clandestina: This is a place where you should make a reservation on weekends. It’s a charming, traditional Portuguese tavern where you can try local specialties. I recommend the shrimp with mango sauce (absolutely fantastic) and the cod is also very good.

Cascais – Is It Worth It?

As you can expect, definitely yes. It’s a place I would eagerly return to. Cascais, with its landscapes, beaches, historical treasures, architecture, and rich cuisine, is in my opinion a perfect holiday destination.

You’ll read more about Portugal on the blog soon.

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